Building management system with a distributed blockchain database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized server-based device networks are vulnerable to single-point failures, data corruption, and increased maintenance costs due to reliance on a central entity for operation and data storage, leading to potential network disruptions and security breaches.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed HVAC data chain using blockchain technology among HVAC devices, where each device stores a copy of the HVAC data chain, allowing for secure communication and storage of information without a central server, using blocks linked by hash values and digital signatures to ensure authenticity and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized server is used to handle device identity confirmation, login requests, and data storage, then the system operation is simplified and centralized control is achieved, but the network becomes vulnerable to single-point failures, security breaches, and data corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized server's functions into distributed components across multiple HVAC devices. Each device maintains its own identity confirmation, login handling, and data storage capabilities through local blockchain nodes, eliminating the single-point failure vulnerability while preserving operational autonomy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blockchain distributed ledger as an intermediary layer between HVAC devices. This mediator enables peer-to-peer communication and trust verification without requiring a centralized server, allowing devices to autonomously verify identities and transactions through cryptographic proof
2Ease of operation
If all devices communicate with and depend on the central server, then coordination and data management are centralized, but the entire network can be disrupted by server crashes, faults, or breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized data management function into distributed blockchain nodes across multiple HVAC devices. Each node stores copies of the ledger and can independently validate transactions, so that if one node fails, the network continues to operate with remaining nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundancy by having multiple HVAC devices maintain copies of the blockchain ledger beforehand. This cushioning against failure ensures that if the central server or any single node crashes, the network already has backup copies ready to maintain operations without disruption
3Device complexity
If records are stored in the central server, then data storage is simplified, but the integrity of records may be compromised and devices may unknowingly rely on corrupted data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data storage across multiple HVAC devices into a distributed blockchain ledger. Instead of one central storage location, the same data is replicated and stored across numerous nodes, combining their storage capacities to create a more resilient system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements cryptographic verification feedback mechanisms where each device can verify the integrity of stored records through hash functions and digital signatures. This feedback loop allows devices to detect and reject corrupted data, ensuring that only valid, uncorrupted records are accepted and processed
4Loss of energy
If a centralized server is used, then communication overhead is reduced as devices communicate directly with the server, but maintenance costs increase and security breach risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables HVAC devices to autonomously verify transactions, validate data integrity, and maintain security credentials through local blockchain nodes. This self-service capability eliminates the need for centralized server maintenance while preserving efficient peer-to-peer communication
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securely communicating information in a building management system (BMS) includes a plurality of HVAC devices communicably coupled via a network each HVAC device storing a copy of an HVAC data chain that includes a plurality of blocks linked sequentially. The plurality of HVAC devices includes a first HVAC device including a processing circuit configured to generate a first block comprising device data and send the block to at least a portion of the plurality of HVAC devices. The processing circuit is configured to receive a second block from one of the plurality of HVAC devices and solve the second block. The processing circuit is further configured to add the solved block to the HVAC data chain of the first HVAC device as the newest block and send the solved block to each of the plurality of HVAC devices.